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You’ve chosen the right furniture, colours, textiles, living energy, and decor—so why doesn’t the space feel right? It could all come down to lighting.
One of the most powerful—and often underestimated—design tools is lighting. Without the right lighting scheme, even the most well-decorated rooms can feel uninviting or lacklustre, especially at night.
Lighting plays a crucial role in creating atmosphere, influencing our mood, and enhancing both the aesthetic and functionality of our homes.
Whether you're renovating, building from scratch, or simply updating a room, understanding the four different types of lighting, the key elements of a good lighting plan, and how to customise each layer will help transform your home into a welcoming sanctuary.
Ready to illuminate your space? Read our expert design tips below and explore our collection of lighting to elevate your home.
Why Lighting Matters
Lighting affects us both biologically and emotionally. It can energise or soothe, direct focus, highlight architectural features, and contribute to an overall sense of comfort and wellbeing.
For instance, exposure to morning sunlight supports healthy circadian rhythms, regulates sleep, and can even enhance cognitive function. In the same way, well-placed artificial lighting can make a room feel warm and inviting—or calm and intimate—depending on the time of day and the desired atmosphere.
Natural light brings clarity and freshness, while artificial lighting introduces contrast, definition, and drama—shaping the feel of a space from dawn to dusk.
The Art of Layering Light
A complete lighting design involves more than just choosing beautiful fixtures—it’s about combining different types of light to bring contrast, depth, and character into a room. The most inviting interiors thoughtfully layer multiple light sources, each with a distinct purpose.
Ideally, every space should incorporate:
1. Ambient Lighting: Your Foundation Layer
Ambient lighting is the first layer to consider - and it typically sits at ceiling height. It sets the tone and ensures a room feels functional and welcoming. Think of it as the foundation, casting an overall, even glow that allows you to move through the space safely and comfortably. While we would never recommend relying on overhead lighting alone, it’s often the most familiar to people—particularly in the form of recessed downlights or ceiling-mounted fixtures.
Common sources include:
- Chandeliers & Pendant Lights
- Flush or semi-flush ceiling fixtures
- Recessed downlights (ideally on dimmers)
Ideas to try:
– In the dining room, a sculptural chandelier becomes a focal point while offering even light.
– In the living room, layer recessed downlights with a decorative ceiling fixture for flexibility.
– In the bedroom, consider an oversized drum pendant or a sleek ceiling light with a dimmer to shift from bright to soft in seconds.
Hicks Pendant Bronze/Brass w White Glass | Large | 32cmD
$1,736.00
STORE PICK UP/LOCAL DELIVERY ONLY/FREIGHT QUOTE ON APPLICATION Due to the size and weight of this piece we are unable to offer our regular Australia wide delivery. For Australia-wide deliveries, a freight quote does apply for this piece.This is not calculated online… read more
Zetland Chandelier | Gold | W122 x H78cm
$1,965.00
For Australia-wide deliveries, an additional freight quote does apply for this piece. This is not calculated online and will be in addition to your purchase / standard delivery fee. Shipping & Delivery Options: In-Store Collection: This item can be collected… read more
Photo Source: A: John Davis Landscapes B: London Projects C: Elizabeth Roberts Architecture
2. Accent Lighting: Creating Drama and Focus
Accent lighting adds depth and interest by highlighting your favorite artwork, architectural details, wardrobes, under-cabinet areas, or special decor. It draws the eye to particular focal points and creates a subtle contrast within the room.
Some beautiful options include:
– Picture lights
– Wall sconces
– Spotlights or uplighting
– LED strip lighting (especially under cabinets or shelves)
Ideas to try:
– In the kitchen, add LED strips beneath upper cabinets to illuminate the benchtop and add atmosphere.
– In the living room, wall sconces flanking a mirror or artwork add elegance and softness.
– In the bedroom, wall-mounted reading lights offer a neat and practical solution.
Mei Wall Diffuser | A | Gold
$1,010.00
Description: Soft and magical, the Mei Wall Light invites you on a dreamy journey to oriental landscapes. With its generous contours reminiscent of millions of lanterns glowing with warm light, Mei is a genuine companion to a muted atmosphere, offering… read more
Worcester Sconce | Antique Brass | W 45-90cm (Shades Extra)
$585.00
For Australia-wide deliveries, an additional freight quote does apply for this piece. This is not calculated online and will be in addition to your purchase / standard delivery fee. Shipping & Delivery Options: In-Store Collection: This item can be… read more
Photo Source: A: Suzie Anderson Home B: Intimate Living Interiors
3. Task Lighting: Practical and Beautiful
This layer combines functionality with aesthetics. Task lighting typically includes low-level fixtures such as table, floor, and adjustable wall lamps. It provides focused illumination for activities like cooking, reading, working, or grooming—where extra clarity is essential—while complementing your overall design style.
Look for:
– Adjustable desk and table lamps
– Floor lamps with directed light
– Swing-arm or wall-mounted task lights
– Rechargeable LED lamps for flexibility
Ideas to try:
– In the home office, choose a desk lamp with adjustable brightness.
– In the bedroom, a pair of bedside lamps adds symmetry and usefulness.
– In the living room, tuck a floor lamp next to your reading chair for a cosy evening ritual.
Coronzoli Jug Lamp Base | Grey | W46 x H55cm
$840.00
For Australia-wide deliveries, a freight quote does apply for this piece. This is not calculated online and will be in addition to your purchase. Shipping & Delivery Options: In-Store Collection: This item can be collected from our Moss Vale store. Freight Quote for… read more
4. Mood Lighting: Creating Emotion and Atmosphere
Mood lighting is all about evoking emotion and enhancing beauty rather than serving a functional purpose. It adds a final touch of warmth, charm, and intimacy, perfect for setting the atmosphere—whether you're entertaining guests or unwinding after a long day.
Some of our favourites include:
– Scented or pillar candles
– Salt lamps or lanterns
– Fairy lights and festoon lighting
– Tea-light votives tucked into corners or alcoves
Ideas to try:
– In the dining room, candles instantly create an atmosphere of elegance and ease.
– In the bedroom, cluster a few tea lights for a soft, romantic glow.
– Outdoors, lanterns or string lights can transform even a small space into something magical.
Open Bell Tealight Holder | T3
$70.00
Our open-bell tea-light holders are meticulously handcrafted to provide an exquisite glow. Each piece is artfully folded and manipulated into intricate tulip shapes, offering a delicate sculptural addition to any space. This tea-light holder beautifully represents a freshly opened flower,… read more
Romeo & Juliet Light | Handcrafted in Avignon, France | W38cm, H 80cm
$2,780.00
For Australia-wide deliveries, a freight quote does apply for this piece. This is not calculated online and will be in addition to your purchase. Shipping & Delivery Options: In-Store Collection: This item can be collected from our Moss Vale store. Freight Quote for… read more
Photo Source: Augusta Hoffman
Additional Interior Design Lighting Tips
Photo Source: Osklo
Natural Light Considerations
Natural light can make rooms feel expansive and cheerful. Observe how much light each space receives and from which direction, then layer your lighting accordingly.
Low-light rooms: Often internal or shaded areas.
Medium-light rooms: Receive indirect but steady daylight.
Bright-light rooms: Feature generous and direct natural light.
Lighting Temperature & Mood
The temperature of your lighting also plays a major role in setting the atmosphere:
Cool light stimulates clarity and productivity. Best for mornings, kitchens, home offices.
Neutral light offers flexibility and works well in multi-functional rooms.
Warm light enhances intimacy and relaxation. Ideal for bedrooms, living rooms, and dining areas.
We recommend introducing smart bulbs like the Philips Hue, which offer control over brightness, hue, saturation, and temperature—allowing you to adapt your lighting throughout the day.
Example: Restaurants use warm, dim lighting and candles to encourage guests to linger and relax. Bright, cool lighting may prompt faster turnover.
Photo Source: Andrea Benedettini
Bringing It All Together
When you thoughtfully combine all four layers—ambient, accent, task, and mood—your lighting becomes more than just practical. It becomes an expression of your unique style, meets your lifestyle needs, and enhances how you feel at home.
The beauty of layered lighting is its adaptability. With options like smart bulbs, dimmer switches, your favourite candle, or a stunning lamp base, it's easy to adjust the mood or improve the functionality of your space.
Light not only shapes the physical space but also influences our experience. With the right lighting combination, your home can feel warm and inviting from morning to night.
Ready to transform your space? Shop our collection of lighting at Suzie Anderson Home and find the perfect pieces to elevate your home.
Photo Source: Brophy Interiors
